Crowns, camels, color, and one creative couple—just a few of the ingredients that made for this exotic Moroccan wedding in the desert. Liz + Nate are a Stateside couple who can’t seem to ever truly satisfy their travel bug—a destination wedding was a no-brainer. While Liz designed + planned the day herself, she did have help on the ground from Party Maroc. Here’s what Liz told us about deciding on Morocco + planning from afar:
Both Nate and I love to travel. We usually do 3 or 4 international travels a year despite our busy work schedules. A destination wedding was definitely on our top list and we picked Marrakech, despite the difficulty with languages and the fact that we’d never been to Morocco! It was definitely a time-consuming job, but I enjoyed every moment of the year-long planning and design. Even when I was still awake at 3 am on a weekday checking Pinterest or drafting ideas to my partner in Marrakech! I would love to do it again and again. I really appreciate how things just naturally came together in Marrakech to create the boho and exotic feel.
Liz found her photographer, Stephanie of From the Daisies, right here on GWS! Morocco just happened to be on Stephanie’s bucket list, too. Don’t you love when things work out that way? Off to Marrakech!
A Bridal Look Fit for Moroccan Royalty
Anytime we spot an Amaroq Design crown we know it’s going to be good!
Dreeeeam dress! Liz bought her Inbal Dror gown without even trying it on—she was sold by photos alone!
Ceremony Grand Entrance
Nate: The most memorable moment was sharing this moment with our family, relatives, and close friends. We had all traveled thousands of miles to this beautiful desert to witness this magnificent wedding.
Liz: My mood finally started to build up the moment I put on my crown in the tent and ready to get on my camel girl. The Dakka Marrakchia band started their cheering music and accompanied the bridal party on camels to the ceremony top. The moment I saw our statement tree, I knew I was doing the right thing.
L + N found lanterns at the marketplace and filled in the alter with more traditional local goods like rugs + poufs.
Carousel
Carousel
So sweet!
Traditional music played an important role in the ceremony, with a Trio Andalusian band keeping the pace.
The Newlyweds
Still not over that ceremony alter. The florals by Le Kiosque a Fleurs created the perfect frame for the tree!
Not even real.
What did we say? Regal.
By the way, not a bad location to camp for the weekend!
Reception on the Campgrounds
Okay, we could handle this.
After L + N arrived in Marrakech, they picked out tagine pots as guest favors, as well as red Fez hats. Aren’t they so striking on the tables?
If you are looking for a destination wedding, I highly suggest hiring a local partner to help you out. It doesn't have to be a full-service wedding planner if you know what you want. They can give you some really good advice and explain how things work there as a local. I'm very happy that I can work with Maria from Party Maroc for the past 6 months for this dream to come true.
Also, be generous on your wedding planning time because it will pay off! It was almost like having a second job for me. I spent 3 months just to figure out how I wanted the ceremony backdrop. It turned out the olive tree decorated with the mix and match golden lanterns and hanging flower pots, surrounded by more flowers and of course the lovely camels, is Liz and Nate's statement tree!
One last important tip is to hire an open-minded photographer for a destination wedding. I was so lucky to have Stephanie and her husband on my big day. I found her randomly on a Green Wedding Shoes real wedding and it happened that Morocco was on her travel list too!
And be sure to check out their film by Videal Production
Up in flames…actually the most amazing way to end a wedding! All our congrats to Liz + Nate—keep that fire burning!
photography: From the Daisies // venue name: Terre Des Etoiles, Marrakech, Morocco // event design: Liz Wang // planning: Party Maroc // florals: Le Kiosque a Fleurs // wedding dress: Inbal Dror // hairpiece: Amaroq Design // bride's shoes: Lanvin // bride's ring: Harry Winston // bridesmaid dresses: Adrianna Papell and BHLDN // groom attire: Zara and ASOS // groom's ring: Harry Winston // videography: Videal Production // paper goods: mspl_studio // bride's earrings: apm Monaco
Wow just wow, what a wedding.
This is otherwordly!